[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame] Queen’s iconic songs: must-hear signature tracks chosen by fans

Under PressureQueen & David Bowie

Queen and David Bowie – Under Pressure (Official Video)

A song jointly produced by Queen and David Bowie, with which Queen achieved their second number-one on the UK chart.

The music video features several scenes from silent films, as well as footage of Japan’s commuter rush.

InnuendoQueen

Queen – Innuendo (Official Video)

From an intro that feels like a movie soundtrack, to an acoustic guitar solo, then a vocal solo section, and even a development in odd time signatures, this song has a very complex structure.

It’s an astounding track that even hints at the later influence on prog and metal.

Listening to works like this makes it clear why Queen is a legendary band.

We Are The ChampionsQueen

Queen – We Are The Champions (Official Video)

An immortal anthem loved around the world.

I’ve heard it was written with the expectation that it would be sung in football stadiums, and the fact that this has become reality shows just how incredible Queen is.

As for the title’s “We,” it doesn’t refer to Queen themselves, but rather carries the meaning that each and every person around the world is a champion.

I Want to Break FreeQueen

Queen – I Want To Break Free (High Quality)

In the music video for this song, the members appear in drag, each parodying British TV shows of the time.

As the title suggests, it’s a song about the desire to be free, and in South Africa it was reportedly sung like a theme song opposing the apartheid racial segregation policy.

Now I’m HereQueen

Queen – Now I’m Here (Official Video)

This is a cool track with a guitar sound that still feels modern.

As heard in the film “Space Travelers,” the lyrics are cool and intellectual, very much in Brian’s style.

It’s also popular at live shows and is regarded by fans as a hidden gem.

BreakthruQueen

Queen – Breakthru (Official Video Remastered)

Although the songwriting is credited to Queen, this song was actually co-written by Roger and Freddie.

For the music video shoot, they chartered a railway for two days, rented a real train, and had it painted for Queen, incurring an enormous cost.

Also, the woman riding the train with Freddie is said to be a model who was Roger’s girlfriend at the time.

Save MeQueen

Queen – Save Me (Official Video)

This song is included on the album The Game, and in contrast to the up-tempo, rhythmic tracks like Dragon Attack and Another One Bites the Dust, it’s a song about a bittersweet breakup.

By placing it at the very end to bring the album to a gentle close, Queen crafted an album structure that is quintessentially theirs.